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How many words is a 1-minute speech?
A 1-minute speech is about 130 to 150 words, at a measured 130 to a conversational 150 words a minute. Written out, that is about half a double-spaced page.
Work it out
words, at 130 to 150 words a minute
- At 140 words a minute
- 140 words
- Script pages, double-spaced
- 0.5–0.6
- Pages, single-spaced, Arial 12 pt
- 0.3
- Reading it silently
- 35 sec
- Paragraphs
- 1–2
Write it in the word counter with a limit of 150 words.
Open the word counterWords for 1-minute speech at different speeds
| Pace | Words | Double-spaced pages |
|---|---|---|
| Measured, 130 words a minute | 130 | 0.5 |
| Typical, 140 words a minute | 140 | 0.6 |
| Conversational, 150 words a minute | 150 | 0.6 |
Estimates for US Letter or A4 with 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins and ordinary paragraphs; reading at 238 words a minute, speaking at 130 to 150.
What a minute is for
Introducing yourself at a meeting or an event, a quick thank-you, a toast, a one-minute video script, or an answer to an impromptu question. Toastmasters’ Table Topics, the impromptu part of a club meeting, asks for answers of one to two minutes.
A minute feels short until you stand up. It holds one point, one example and one closing line, and nothing else.
A one-minute shape
- Who you are or what this is about (one sentence).
- One specific detail or story (three or four sentences).
- The line you want people to remember, or the thank-you (one sentence).
Time yourself once out loud. Most people speed up when nervous, so a 150-word script often comes in under a minute on the day.
Questions and answers
How many words should a 1-minute speech be?
About 130 to 150 words. If you speak slowly or want room for a pause or a laugh, aim for 120.
How long is 1 minute of speaking on paper?
About half a double-spaced page, or a quarter of a single-spaced one.
How many sentences is a 1-minute speech?
About seven to ten sentences of average length.